When we opted to move from southern California to Arizona in the early 1980’s we weren't sure we would like the desert or the heat. But, the smog, crowd and cost of living in CA were incentive enough for us to give it a try. We wanted a better environment in which to raise our kids. In hindsight, it was one of the best moves we could have made. We love living here. Initially, Gary was reluctant to leave the beaches, moderate weather, mountains and entertainment venues of Orange County. However, he quickly changed his mind once we relocated and began to explore this beautiful state.
The Sonoran Desert is actually quite beautiful. The cacti in spring bloom offer a unique beauty offered no where else! The Phoenix metro are is surrounded by mountains offering a multi dimensional landscape. The parks, golf courses and washes provide color and vegetation. And,
Gary loves the low maintenance ‘desert landscaping’ that reduces yard work time and allows for more golf (a new sport added to his agenda once we moved to the valley).
Once we were relocated and settled in our new Arizona home (might I add we purchased a home on an acre with a pool for only $4,000 more than our tiny home on a postage stamp lot in Santa Ana, CA), we began to explore our state. From the high mountains to the east and north, the high desert to the south and the Colorado river area to the west, we discovered a variety of landscapes and activities available to us within a relatively short distance. There are actually many lakes and rivers close to the metro area as well. The beaches of Rocky Point Mexico are a popular destination for many Phoenicians who can be on the beach in a short 5 hour drive.
There is hiking, snow skiing, boating, rock climbing, fishing, tubing, and jeep tours.
There is wine country; Indian ruins; historical cites like Tombstone and the famous ‘OK Corral’ or the mining town of Bisbee; a multitude of state and national parks including the magnificent Grand Canyon; there are multiple lakes—Lake Powell, Lake Mead, Parker Dam, Saguaro Lake and Lake Pleasant just to name a few.
The cultural entertainment venue offers multiple professional sports, special events such as the Barrett Jackson Car Show, the Arabian Horse Show, the FBR Open golf tournament; multiple first class theaters, museums, arts/crafts/culinary festivals….we didn’t give up much by leaving California to enjoy the amenities that Arizona has to offer.
Of course, it you have the urge to visit “Mickey Mouse” or want to see the lights of the Las Vegas strip, in less than a half a day and you are there.
Check out what the greater Phoenix metro area and Arizona have to offer!!!
How Far is it???
| From Phoenix to Prescott Distance: 112 miles Driving Time: 2.25 hours |
From Phoenix to Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon
Distance: 125 miles Driving Time: 2.5 hours |
From Phoenix to Flagstaff Distance: 146 miles Driving Time: 3.5 hours |
|
From Phoenix to Grand Canyon
Distance: 247 miles Driving Time: 4.5 hours |
From Phoenix to Page and Lake Powell
Distance: 302 miles Driving Time: 5.5 hours |
From Phoenix to Payson Distance: 100 miles Driving Time: 2 hours |
| From Phoenix to Tucson Distance: 120 miles Driving Time: 2.5 hours |
From Phoenix to Nogales, Mexico Distance: 187 miles Driving Time: 3.5 hours |
From Phoenix to Yuma
Distance: 185 miles Driving Time: 3 hours |
|
From Phoenix to Rocky Point, Mexico
Distance: 215 miles Driving time: 5 hours |
From Phoenix to Lake Havasu City
Distance: 220 miles Driving Time: 4 hours |
From Phoenix to Lake Havasu City Distance: 220 miles Driving Time: 4 hours |
|
From Phoenix to Los Angeles, CA
Distance: 375 miles Driving Time: 6 hours |
From Phoenix to San Diego, CA Distance: 355 miles Driving Time: 6 hours |
From Phoenix to Las Vegas, NV Distance: 300 miles Driving Time: 6 hours |
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Contact Gary and Claudia Scott, REALTOR®, GRI
Reach us toll free at 866-464-2140 or e-mail at Garyandclaudia@cox.net
Be sure to check out Gary and Claudia's Blog: http://claudiascott.activerain.com Website www.AZ-real-estate-sales.com
Gary and Claudia ... thanks for this article. Of course we know that Arizona is much more than a desert. It's so beautiful, and we enjoy visiting. And hiking when it's not too hot. Harrison
Hi Harrison,
Thanks for the comment. We do love living here especially now that the beautiful fall and mild winter spring are here!! Gald you enjoy visiting the area - keep coming back. Maybe one of these days you will relocate from CA!
Claudia